Excursions
Île aux Aigrettes
The beautiful nature reserve of Ile aux Aigrettes is home to numerous endangered plant and animal species
This small, 26-hectare coral island is a natural paradise, as well as a nature reserve of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF). Numerous different endangered plant and animal species that can no longer be found elsewhere live on the island, including the telfair skink, giant tortoises, the pink Mauritius pidgeon, and ebony trees. The island is around 1 kilometre (a little over 1 mile) from the coast off of Mahébourg, and lies amidst the coral reef that surrounds Mauritius. Tourists can land on the island in a small boat if they register beforehand to discover the unique ecosystem of the island, or take part in a guided tour.
Coin de Mire (Gunners Coin)
The impressive rocks of the Coin de Mire are a highlight
The small, uninhabited island Coin de Mire lies to the north of Mauritius with a remarkable rocky coastline, rising up to its impressive 167-metre peak (548 ft). Although Mauritius is just 5 km away (a little over 3 miles), the island has never been inhabited. These days, it is home to a protected nature reserve, and plays host to numerous different endemic bird species, including the tropic white-tailed birds, which are particularly endangered. The waters that surround the island are a well-known spot for diving, and you can encounter fish species here as part of a guided diving excursion from, amongst other places, Pereybère. There is also a Japanese shipwreck here, of the Djabeda ship. Finally, you can take catamaran tours around the island, where you can spot whales with a bit of luck.
Île aux Cerfs
The numerous beaches on the Ile aux Cerfs make different activities possible
This beautiful island neighbours Mauritius, attracting many visitors with its snowy-white sand and crystal-clear water. The water here is very shallow as it lies within the coral reef surrounding the island. The conditions here make it a great spot for families with children. The island is also home to good facilities, including shops and stalls right on the beach. The boat tour with a catamaran takes around 20 minutes each way, and will take you past mangrove forests on the way. Most boat trips start at Trou d'Eau Douce. You can also rent a water taxi or speedboat with a driver to get to the island quicker. The 18-hole golf course on the island is also a treat for those looking for something a little more exclusive.
L’Ilot
This beautiful island neighbours Mauritius, attracting many visitors with its snowy-white sand and crystal-clear water. The water here is very shallow as it lies within the coral reef surrounding the island. The conditions here make it a great spot for families with children. The island is also home to good facilities, including shops and stalls right on the beach. The boat tour with a catamaran takes around 20 minutes each way, and will take you past mangrove forests on the way. Most boat trips start at Trou d'Eau Douce. You can also rent a water taxi or speedboat with a driver to get to the island quicker. The 18-hole golf course on the island is also a treat for those looking for something a little more exclusive.
Île d’Ambre
The paradise of the Ile d'Ambre is a real insider's tip
Enjoy wonderful peace and nature on this Robinson Crusoe island, although you won't be completely alone, as there is a villa on the island that can be rented out by guests. The beaches on this wonderful small island are a stunning white colour, while the ocean is turquoise. From the Roches Noires beach, take a small path to the Pointe des Roches Noires, from which you can take a small boat across to the island, which is about 100 metres away.
Île aux Fouquets
This island, named after the fouquet bird (shearwater) is also known as the Île aux Phares, and is a popular destination for day trips. Different boat tours depart from Blue Bay, Mahébourg, and Vieux Grand Port on a daily basis. The beautiful sandy beach of this small islet is ideal for swimming and relaxing, and the old, abandoned lighthouse that sits in the middle of the island can also be discovered.
Îlot Vacoas
This miniature island beside the Île aux Fouquets attracts tourists thanks to its wide, coarse sandy beach. To get here, there are boat tours departing from Blue Bay, Mahébourg, and Vieux Grand Port. The island only has a few shrubs growing here and there, earning it the name ‘island with no trees‘ amongst the locals.
Île de la Passe
This tiny island is home to a fortresse right at the natural opening to the sea, La Passe, which provides an entrance to the harbour at Vieux Grand Port. The port used to be guarded closely from pirates and other attacks, but these days visitors can find old coins, uniform buttons, and other trinkets on the island from long ago.
The northern Islands
Even the boat trip to the beautiful islands to the north of Mauritius is a wonderful experience
The northern islands of Mauritius include Round Island, the Île aux Serpents, the former quarantine island of Île Plate, complete with lighthouse, and the Îlot Gabriel. Various boat tours will take you around the northern islands, where you can go swimming, diving, snorkelling, and picnicking, all of which make for a wonderful experience that you should be sure not to miss out on.
Dreamcatcher, Catamaran tours from Grand Bay, www.dreamcatcher-mauritius.com, Phone: +230 5722 6878
Top Cat, Catamaran tours from Grand Bay, Phone: +230 5790 8123
Ile des Deux Cocos
This small private island can be found offshore from the beautiful Blue Bay in the south-east of Mauritius, and can be reached by speedboat in just 10 minutes. This exclusive island is home to a luxury villa in a Mauritian style, including catering in the luxurious restaurant, where you can spend the whole day if yo wish. The Île des Deux Cocos is also well-known for being an excellent diving and surfing spot.
Ilot Sancho
This miniature island can be reached on foot at low tide from the opposite shore on Mauritius, the beach of Baie du Jacotet, which lies between Bel Ombre and Chemin Grenier. The stony terrain here is ideal for a relaxing stroll amongst the crabs which also live on the rocks of the island. Small paths lead to the inner region of the island, which you can walk around in just 20 minutes. The Îlot Sancho is also well-known for the parties which take place there from time to time.
Crystal Rock
Huge rocks almost look like giant corals on Mauritius
This notable rock liest between the Île de Bénitiers and Le Morne. Many travel guides say that it is a huge coral, although this isn't strictly true. It is actually a rock made from volcanic material that rises around 7 metres into the air; it simply looks like coral due to its shape. It is also a popular excursion destination for many boat tours, and the waters around it contain numerous colourful fish to discover.
